I have now started up my bodice and done the first aho and that sets up my bodice although first tries show it to be a bit too big but we will see. Started forming the circles (aho poka) for the bust.So exciting to see it appear as I set it up as I have never done anything like this in muka, it is a rather large undertaking.

This is my muka drying in our conservatory after it was patu (beaten) and ready to be komuru (crimped). I prepared 700 whenu (strands).Muka is extracted from harakeke through a lengthy process (check my textiles page under muka) and then you can use it to whatu (finger weave).After I sized them so I could use certain lenghts in certain areas.

I am making a bodice for myself in muka, as it is easier than finding a model. To layout the bodice I am starting up in the wides part of the bust. I started in the middle of the back and at the back I used half a whenu ( strand) so each of then them does two length, and i whatu them together in the middle, once it reached under arm I used shorte whenu so I could use them singly as I am going to shape the bust like a bra. this is where I am at present trying to do the other half ( I have passed midway).

Author

I am an artist and live on the Kapiti Coast. Presently I am completing a Bachelor of Maori Visual Art (Raranga). I work mainly with textiles (includes Raranga which is weaving with flax), clay and paint in pastels and weatercolours.